Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD)

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder?

Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition of brain dysfunction which can
significantly interfere with everyday life. Some individuals may only be
inattentive whilst others may display Conduct Disorder (unacceptable
behaviour), depression, anxiety, obsessions, specific learning difficulties,
speech or language disorders, low self esteem, poor social skills, difficulties
in forming relationships/friendships and problems with auditory processing.
Obviously any of these are also side effects of the behaviour displayed by a
particular individual.

Living with Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder

Those
with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder often have a poor attention span
and weak impulse control; this means sitting still is difficult. Some
individuals with ADHD/ADD can find it difficult to gauge time, are forgetful
and loose things.

Not
all unacceptable behaviour can be put down to ADHD/ADD. ADHD/ADD can be
difficult to diagnose and requires careful assessment by a child psychiatrist.
Part of the treatment may involve using drugs such as Methylphenidate
(Ritalin). The drug can be highly effective in calming and improving
concentration and is used as part of an overall treatment strategy that uses
systematic behaviour modification. Dosages and timings of administration are
very important, as the effects of the drug can be short lived. Leader should
follow the medical advice provided by parent/guardian/carer.

There
are some side effects that are said to be brief and dose related, but research
is continuing into long-term effects. These can include loss of appetite,
headaches, tics and a sense of unease. Drug treatment may be required over many
months or years. Living with someone who has ADHD/ADD can be very stressful and
frustrating. There are some extreme incidences where families have been barred
from certain place, for example swimming pools and supermarkets, because of the
disturbance that a member of the family with ADHD/ADD can cause.

The
drug treatment often goes alongside systematic behaviour modification
techniques at home and at school. Leaders will need to link closely with the
individual and their family to find the best method for dealing with any
outbursts or preventing the escalation of a difficulty.

Individuals
with ADHD/ADD can find it difficult to wait for their turn, may constantly seek
adult attention and/or have low boredom thresholds. This can be difficult to
cope with and have an isolating effect on them as others find these
characteristics unattractive in potential friends.

They
may also show a tendency to blurt out inappropriate and often personal comments.
This of course does little for relationships or integration with their peers.
They may also appear rude, for example interrupting halfway through a sentence
or seeming inattentive. All of this can require a great deal of patience and understanding
from everyone.

Practical tips

·When
giving a list of instructions, break it down. Many people would remember the
order in which to do things to visualising themselves actually doing it;
individuals with ADHD/ADD repeat the sequence to themselves. This is effective
unless something disrupts their chain of thought and they lose their place.
Giving reminders during the task is helpful too.

Use
structured games and activities in your programme. Activities that require good
self-control are not a problem; it is the new or less structured games that can
provide triggers for anxiety and potential loss of control. Providing support
or extra instructions should help them and can help to avoid any potential
confrontation.

Individuals
with ADHD/ADD may also need help with organisation, such as remembering times
and places of meetings. In the young person’s Patrol, Six or Lodge, suggest
note taking to provide reminders or a ‘buddy system’ where the buddy phones
immediately before the meeting to provide a reminder of any changes of time or
venue. These reminder systems can lessen the frustration and anxiety, which can
lead to inappropriate responses.

The
mood swings and unpredictable reactions brought about by ADHD/ADD can lead to
the individual having difficulty in making friends. Support and patience from
the other young people and Leaders in the Scout Group is very important.
Teamwork skills are invaluable and make success possible.

Set
one small target at a time, making it clear and simple. In order to be
effective, any rewards for completing a task must be of value to the individual
and be immediate. Try to make praise public, whilst keeping discussion of
issues that have arisen, private.

· Flexibility
is important and taking a break may prove very successful, especially where the
individual can take time out themselves when they recognise an outburst
starting. Recognising their own need and taking steps to address it needs to be
seen as a positive, so make sure specific praise is given.

Be
aware that the food or drinks the young person consumes may affect their behaviour.
Speak to the parent/carer about any dietary requirements (e.g. avoiding or
limiting certain additives / E-numbers or sugar).

·Discuss
with the parents the extent to which support is needed and learn any practical
tips they have to offer. They may also be able to arrange a chat with their
teacher or others helping them.